ASTM B327-09 - 15.4.2009
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers aluminum–base and zinc–
base master alloys used to make zinc die-casting alloys. Alloy compositions specified for aluminum–base master alloys (hardeners) are designated as shown in Table 1. Alloy composition specified for the zinc-base master alloy is designated as shown in Table 2.

1.2 Aluminum alloy hardeners are added to Special High Grade zinc (per Specification B 6) in the proper alloying ratios, as shown in Table 1, to produce zinc alloys for die casting.

1.3 Zinc-base master alloy is added to Special High Grade zinc (per Specification B 6) in the proper alloying ratio, as shown in Table 3, to produce zinc alloy for die casting.

1.4 Master alloys may be supplied in the form of shot, bar, ingot or jumbo ingot as specified by the purchaser.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements for Aluminum-Base Master Alloys

Note—The following applies to all specified limits in this table: For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, the observed value or calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the specified limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E 29.

ASTM
Alloy
(UNS)A
Composition, percent
Usage
Alu-
minum,
min
CopperIron, maxSilicon, maxManga-
nese,
max
MagnesiumBZinc Chro-
mium,
max
Nickel, maxTin, maxLead, maxBCad-
mium,
maxB

ZG71A
(A07131)http://myastm.astm.org/SUPPORT_DOCS/B0200000109015.pdf

87.0

1.7 max

0.8

0.7

0.50

0.65–1.05

6.5–7.5

0.20

0.20

0.02

0.020

0.010

1 part by weight of ZG71A, 21 parts by weight of Special High Grade zincC to make ASTM zinc Alloy Z33520 (AG40A)

A UNS designations were established in accordance with Recommended Practice E 527.

B Carried to one additional decimal place to ensure proper control in the final alloy.

C ASTM Specification B 6, for Zinc.

TABLE 2 Chemical and Color Code Requirements for Zinc-Base Master AlloysA,B,C

Common (UNS)Color CodeDComposition, percent
Alum-
inum
Mag-
nesium
Iron,
max
Copper,
max
Lead,
max
Cadmium,
max
Tin,
max
Zinc

V12
(Z33730)

Pink

11.7–
12.6

0.075–
0.12

0.070

0.25

0.005

0.004

0.003

remain-
der

A Zinc-base master alloy Z33730 used for producing die casting alloys may contain nickel, chromium, silicon, and manganese up to 0.02, 0.02, 0.035 and 0.05 %, respectively. No harmful effects have ever been noted due to the presence of these elements in up to these concentrations in die casting alloys and, therefore, analyses are not required for these elements, except that nickel analysis is required when producing die casting alloy Z33522.

B The UNS assignations were established in accordance with Practice E 527.

C For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, the observed value or calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right hand place of figures used in expressing the specified limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E 29.

D Refer to Practice B 908. (Note: Colors indicated are for North American applications.)

TABLE 3 Weight Requirements for Zinc-Base Master Alloy Jumbo Ingots

Note—These requirements are based on the use of nominal 2400 lb or 1200 lb jumbo ingots of V12 (Z33730).

Nominal
Weight, lb
Weight Range, lbAUsage
MinimumMaximum

2400

2325

2475

1 part by weight of V12 (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (two 2400 lb jumbo ingots) of Special High Grade zinc to make ASTM zinc alloy Z33520 (AG40A).

1200

1150

1250

1 part by weight of V12 (one 1200 lb jumbo ingot), 2 parts by weight (one 2400 lb jumbo ingot) of Special High Grade zinc to make ASTM zinc alloy Z33520 (AG40A).

A Jumbo ingots outside the above weight limits may be acceptable depending upon the chemistry, if mutually agreed upon between the producer and purchaser.

 
2. Referenced Documents

ISO3815-2

Zinc and zinc alloys Part 2: Analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

E527-23

Standard Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys in the Unified Numbering System (UNS)

E1251-25

Standard Test Method for Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by Spark Atomic Emission Spectrometry

E536-23

Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc and Zinc Alloys

E88-25

Standard Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition

E34-11

Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Aluminum and Aluminum-Base Alloys

E29-22

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

B949-23

Standard Specification for General Requirements for Zinc and Zinc Alloy Products

B908-26

Standard Practice for the Use of Color Codes for Zinc Casting Alloy Ingot

B899-25

Standard Terminology Relating to Non-ferrous Metals and Alloys

B275-14

Standard Practice for Codification of Certain Zinc, Tin and Lead Die Castings (Withdrawn 2020)

B6-23

Standard Specification for Zinc

ISO3815-1

Zinc and zinc alloys Part 1: Analysis of solid samples by optical emission spectrometry